In a determined effort to enhance the efficiency and clarity of the global supply chain, the development of the Maritime Transportation Data Initiative (MTDI) has seen the establishment of processes for the sharing of clean shipping data in a common lexicon everyone can make use of.Speaking during a recent Flexport webinar, Commissioner Carl Bentzel of the Federal Maritime Commission said the inception of the MTDI could be traced back to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. This period, marked by unprecedented challenges in the logistics sector, saw a surge in global trade juxtaposed with supply chains grappling to adapt. The persistent congestion at US ports during this time sent ripples of disruption across the global trade landscape.“The pandemic showed how central and critical the maritime transportation chain is,” he said, indicating that an investigation into the system of information f low between all the various participants in the industry had ultimately led to the MTDI.Bentzel said it was clear quite early in the process that a common lexicon describing the system of movement and standards for the dissemination of information across industry was required.Speaking more recently, at the release of the MTDI recommendations, he said supply chain congestion was a constant and continuing inefficiency costing countries trillions of dollars in lost economic opportunities while continuing to drive up prices.While the impetus for the MTDI originates from an American perspective, the issue of congestion is undeniably a global concern. The MTDI's recommendations, centred around leveraging data to enhance transparency, a ccessibilit y, and information coordination, present a viable solution applicable to a multitude of jurisdictions.During the online event, Commissioner Bentzel emphasised that supply chains continued to grapple with persistent challenges. In a market where capacity remains constrained, the seamless f low of information between ports, as advocated by the MTDI, had the potential to make a substantial difference.He said the maritime sector was renowned for periodic eruptions such as the economic strife of 2008 or the pandemic. “There are always challenges. The situation is tenuous at all times and it can get unbalanced.”Bentzel noted that the maritime industry involved a wide range of carriers, terminals, and related service providers, creating a complex and distinct environment. He stressed that using data more effectively, and consistently investing in technology, could still help address some of the challenges faced by the supply chain.
